During National Volunteer Week, Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) celebrates its more than 60 volunteers from Sunday, April 19, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. MVHS volunteers donated more than 10,000 hours of their time and talent in 2025 to help MVHS patients, residents, families, employees and medical staff. In 2025, the MVHS Volunteer Association donated nearly $100,000 to MVHS.
“I have been a volunteer with MVHS and its legacy sites for 15 years, including 13 years on the Volunteer Board,” said Sheila Marlenga, an MVHS volunteer. “When I retired, I wanted to do something productive and give back, especially after having family members receive care at the hospital. I’ve served at the patient information desk, in the Gift Shop at both St. Luke’s and the Wynn and help plan the annual Volunteer Lunch celebration. I love interacting with patients and staff. I encourage anyone looking to give back to consider volunteering at MVHS – it’s a rewarding way to spend your time and meet great people.”
Volunteers assist in departments throughout MVHS, including the Wynn Hospital’s surgical waiting room, mailrooms, gift shop, hospital rounding, reception desk, cafeteria, patient/family escort and other departments when needed; the MVHS Foundation; Pastoral Care; the Rehabilitation and Nursing Center; Faxton Campus; community events and fundraisers and more.
“Our volunteers inspire me every day,” said Michele Dovi, manager of Volunteer Services at MVHS. “Our MVHS patients, visitors and staff benefit greatly from all of the services and assistance they provide. I encourage anyone who has a desire to help others to join our amazing group of volunteers.”
MVHS has openings for volunteers to assist in several departments. The assignments and work are flexible. Tasks that the MVHS volunteers assist with are providing information and directions at the reception desks, escorting patients and visitors at the Wynn Hospital, keeping families in the Surgery waiting room updated on their loved ones, providing customer and sales service in the gift shop and more.
For more information, please visit mvhealthsystem.org/volunteer.
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Photo Caption: MVHS volunteers celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week.
